The BEMA Podcast

Episode 472: The Chosen S5E3 — “Woes” (Bonus Episode)

Date: September 29, 2025
Hosts: Marty Solomon (A), Brent Billings (B)

Episode Overview

In this bonus episode, hosts Marty Solomon and Brent Billings analyze Season 5, Episode 3 ("Woes") of The Chosen. They break down how the episode intertwines Gospel accounts of Jesus’ final week, discuss the series' interpretive choices, and reflect on the historical, theological, and literary implications. The hosts critically engage with the show’s scriptural adaptation, noting its creative liberties, and repeatedly reference their own journey with both the text and The Chosen’s portrayal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Placement and Portrayal of “Jesus Weeping over Jerusalem”

00:16 – 03:13

• Textual Fidelity vs. Artistic License:
  • Marty challenges the placement of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem in the show, admitting his preference for associating it with the triumphal entry (Luke 19).
  • Brent points out gospel variations; the harmonization problem is complex, and The Chosen’s approach isn't unwarranted.
• Quote:

  “If Jesus is weeping, it tells us the people didn’t understand... and this triumphal entry is not what Jesus—he was trying to communicate something and everybody was missing it so much, so he breaks down and weeps over it.” — Marty [01:54]

• They both agree: while not their preference, there’s “room” for the show's choices.

2. Adapting and Sequencing Multiple Gospel Accounts

03:13 – 05:14

• The hosts appreciate The Chosen’s willingness to blend Gospel stories, despite the messiness this creates.
• Marty appreciates the non-harmonizing approach, finding value in the show’s narrative freedom.

3. Scene Breakdown: Passover Table, John 14

05:29 – 07:59

• Jesus discusses his imminent departure and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
• The hosts reflect on the disciples’ confusion, emphasizing the show’s strong portrayal of “disorientation.”
• Notably, the character development of Philip stands out, as does Jesus’ offering of peace amid turmoil.
• Memorable Moment:

  “I love the spot where Jesus is sensing, like he senses all the angst, all their struggle, and he says, ‘I’m giving you peace. Peace I give you.’ Which doesn’t necessarily land for the disciples...” — Marty [07:32]

4. The Cleansing of the Temple: Textual Source Comparisons

07:59 – 12:05

• Discussion of the blending of John 2, Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 19.
• Brent notes the show shifts Jesus’ “den of robbers” rebuke from merchants (as in Matthew) to religious leaders. Marty thinks this is an effective theatrical touch, even if historically debatable.
• They analyze specific lines and their gospel origins, commenting on the creative construction of scenes.

5. Depicting Jewish Crowds and Anti-Semitism Concerns

12:05 – 14:09

• Marty voices his ongoing concern about the portrayal of “the crowd” shouting crucify, emphasizing it wasn’t the same Jewish crowd that shouted hosanna—warning against anti-Jewish misreadings.
• Quote:

  “The crowd that’s shouting crucify is a crowd worked up on behalf of the chief priests and this corrupt mob. It is not the Jewish voice. It is a corrupt voice.” — Marty [13:07]

• Brent observes the show’s nuance in displaying both opposition and support among the people.

6. Disciples Reacting After the Temple Incident

14:09 – 17:14

• The disciples process Jesus’ actions. Judas questions the temple sacrifices, Matthew clarifies Jesus didn’t physically harm anyone, and Philip argues Jesus targets corruption rather than worship itself.
• Marty highlights the deepening depiction of Judas, noting his “unity” rhetoric that’s not true unity.
• Quote:

  “He wants Jesus to be super clear about stuff in a way that draws all Jews together... he’ll frame the argument as unity, but it’s not true unity.” — Marty [15:43]

7. Religious Leaders and Roman Characters: Schemes & Historical Nuance

17:14 – 22:48

• Shmuel and other leaders converge, debating how to handle Jesus; Yanni wants to trap him, not misrepresent him.
• Scenes with Pilate, Atticus, and Caiaphas show layers of Roman governance and religious intrigue.
• Marty, referencing N.T. Wright, appreciates the historically-informed picture of Pilate as “an incompetent bully” and Atticus as Caesar’s agent.
• Quote:

  “Their depiction of Pilate is spot on how N.T. Wright says: Rome put Pilate there to be provocative and bully people. He’s a provocative bully, but he was incompetent.” — Marty [19:45]

8. Preparation for Jesus' Parables and Final Teachings

22:48 – 24:43

• Jesus discusses preaching plans with Matthew, referencing the Sermon on the Mount, and the vineyard parable.
• The intimate mentor-disciple moments are a highlight for Marty.
• Quote:

  “Every time they do a scene of personal, the one-on-one character development, the intimacy between Jesus and his disciples... I just really enjoy those scenes a lot.” — Marty [24:43]

9. Jesus’ Public Teachings: Parables, Taxes, Woes

25:07 – 29:55

• The show blends elements from various Gospels as Jesus gives the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21), and discusses paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22).
• Notable: Judas is disconnected during the parable enactment.
• The dialogue about Roman taxes draws mixed reactions, especially from Matthew (the former tax collector).
• Coffney stirs anti-Jesus sentiment in a small sub-crowd, while Hosanna shouts prevail.
• The “Woes” (Matthew 23) follow a religious leader’s challenge on the greatest commandment, with Nathaniel recognizing Jesus is sealing his fate.
• Quote:

  “He’s inviting them to kill him.” — Nathaniel [28:00]

10. Intimacy, Lament, and the Approach of the End

29:55 – 34:38

• Jesus, sensing the end, tells his disciples he’s done speaking to crowds (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).
• The disciples debate what this means; Big James and John realize and verbalize the finality.
• On the Mount of Olives, the show weaves together Gospel threads describing Jesus’ apocalyptic discourse.
• The segment ends with John’s emotional connection to Jesus, illustrating his deep (if still unclear) understanding.

11. Creative Vision: Jesus’ Vision of David

34:38 – 36:37

• After lamenting over Jerusalem (Luke 19), Jesus sees David singing Psalm 5—a poignant, almost transfiguration-like moment of divine consolation.
• Both hosts speculate it’s a kind of spiritual encouragement, akin to the angelic ministry after the temptation in the wilderness.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Gospel Harmonization:

  “Of all the things it’s supposed to make sense of, the historical harmony is not what it’s trying to make sense of in our Gospel.” — Marty [05:14]

• On depiction of Jewish crowds:

  “It didn’t all fit one or the other, so well said.” — Marty [14:04]

• On Judas’ changing character:

  “He wants Jesus to be super clear about stuff... but it’s not true unity.” — Marty [15:43]

• On The Chosen’s historical scholarship:

  “Their depiction of Pilate is spot on how N.T. Wright... Rome put Pilate there to be provocative and bully people. He’s a provocative bully, but he was incompetent.” — Marty [19:45]

• On intimate character portrayals:

  “I really like every time they do a scene of personal, the one on one character development... I just really enjoy those scenes a lot.” — Marty [24:43]

• On narrative complexity:

  “With every successive episode, I seem to be digging more and more into the text, so mission accomplished as far as that goes.” — Brent [37:18]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:16–03:13: Debating the placement of “Jesus Weeping over Jerusalem”
• 05:29–07:59: Passover table scene (John 14), the disciples’ confusion and angst
• 07:59–12:05: Temple cleansing sequence, “den of robbers” discussion
• 14:09–17:14: Disciples process temple incident and their reactions
• 17:14–22:48: Political/religious leadership schemes, pilot character analysis, N.T. Wright reference
• 22:48–24:43: Jesus’ rehearsal with Matthew, preaching plans, vineyard parable
• 25:07–29:55: Public teachings: parables, taxes, woes, Judas’ growing distance
• 29:55–34:38: Aftermath, Mount of Olives discourse, growing awareness of the end
• 34:38–36:37: Lament over Jerusalem, vision of David, Jesus’ exhaustion and divine support

Overall Tone and Takeaways

• The episode is filled with honest, critical analysis—balancing appreciation for The Chosen’s narrative craft with textual critique.
• Both hosts lean into historical and literary context, inviting listeners to “dig into the text” rather than just consume biblical media passively.
• The episode closes on a reflective, open note as Marty continues to cautiously engage with the series, while Brent finds joy in deeper textual study provoked by the show.

For Further Study

• N.T. Wright — Jesus and the Victory of God (key reference for analysis of Pilate)
• Gospel texts: Matthew 21–25, Mark 11–13, Luke 19–21, John 2 & 13–14

Contact & Extras

Listeners are encouraged to send in thoughts, feedback, and questions via BEMA Discipleship’s contact page. Supporting resources and mentioned books are found in the episode notes/webpage.

(Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments were omitted from this summary.)